South Course
Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
South at Oakland Hills is where Ben Hogan cemented his legend, declaring he'd brought the course "to its knees" en route to his 1951 U.S. Open victory. Built in the rolling terrain of Bloomfield Township, the South Course presents a classic, demanding parkland challenge characteristic of early 20th-century design. The tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering reward thoughtful play more than sheer power. Originally designed by Walter Travis, the South Course has seen significant renovations under the watchful eye of Gil Hanse, restoring much of Travis' original vision. The course is defined by its undulating greens and tightly mown chipping areas, placing a premium on short game precision. It has hosted six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, the 2004 Ryder Cup, and multiple other prestigious championships. Known for its challenging layout and rich history, the South Course maintains its standing as one of the nation's most demanding tests of golf. While the club is exclusively private, its reputation echoes throughout the game. Tradition dictates that members don their signature red coats for special events, a visible embodiment of the club's enduring legacy.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in MI
All courses
Golfers say Oakland Hills South represents Donald Ross design at its finest, with many calling it a masterpiece featuring exceptional green complexes and strategic bunkering. Most praise the course for being both a demanding championship test and genuinely fun to play, with memorable holes and routing on outstanding terrain. Reviewers consistently note the immaculate conditioning and world-class greens that require sharp putting, though some find the thick rough—especially during tournament setups—creates a particularly stern challenge with little margin for error. The recent Gil Hanse renovation is credited with enhancing Ross's original design, and golfers appreciate the course's blend of difficulty and playability that makes it worthy of its US Open pedigree.
9.2
115 players
World class golf in Michigan
Not sure you can design a more perfect course. Just so well designed, and fun. Can see why US Open will be back there in a few years. Challenging, but so good.
Donald Ross’s masterpiece. Incredible green complexes and bunkering on an unbelievable piece of land. Truly as good as parkland golf gets
Essex County is the most fun Donald Ross that exists, Oakland Hills South is the best. I really expected a difficult championship test. It's that for sure, but somehow fun at the same time. Some truly memorable holes that will stick with you for a long time.
Some of the best set of greens I’ve ever played. When they grow the rough out it’s a true test. Very playable but tough. You have to bring your putter if you want a chance.
When you pair a great design, near perfect conditions and an overwhelming amount of character, typically that means you’re at a solid club. OHCC South is just that. The Ross design / Hanse renovation is quite a 1-2 punch. I played right after the US Junior Am, boy was that course playing tough! Rough was beyond intense, and there was no easing into the rough… no first cut green-side, just a change from wicked quick greens to a disheartening rough. One of the hardest rounds I’ve played and you just have to be content with whatever score that may lead to. Eager to make it back.
Exceptional layout and condition. Pin placements were in challenging places and greens were immaculate.
Public courses closest to South at Oakland Hills Country Club.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
South at Oakland Hills Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 75 explicit golfer ratings.
South was designed by Donald Ross and Rees Jones.
South at Oakland Hills Country Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at South is 72.
South plays 7,400 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at South is 134.
